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Social Agency addresses eating disorders in Sweden with new national guidelines

Wednesday 4th 2024 on 07:03 in  
Sweden

In Sweden, it is estimated that over 200,000 individuals suffer from various eating disorders. However, many cases remain unreported, with the Social Agency highlighting that a key issue is the lack of awareness among healthcare providers about the diverse forms of these disorders. Some lesser-known conditions include binge eating disorder and ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder).

Elisabeth Eidem, a project leader at the Social Agency, points out that eating disorders often do not manifest physically, involving complex thoughts and emotions that healthcare professionals may overlook. The agency aims to enhance understanding of eating disorders through updated national guidelines that provide practical support to those working in healthcare, dental services, and social welfare.

The revised guidelines, released earlier this year, focus on more than just policymakers; they offer concrete recommendations on treatment methodologies for various eating disorders, outline how different professionals can collaborate, and stress the importance of appropriate patient interactions. Eidem expresses hope that these measures will clarify processes for those interacting with patients.

Additionally, the guidelines emphasize the necessity of improved access to tailored treatments for people with eating disorders, alongside clearer healthcare pathways and responsibilities. The Social Agency intends to assess the impact of these national guidelines on the health system, aiming to ensure that more individuals receive the necessary care, regardless of the type of eating disorder, age, or geographic location in Sweden.

Source 
(via svt.se)